Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo Jr., fourth from right, announces a project to renovate the original, one-story section of the Essex County Irvington Park Field House in Irvington on Thursday, Nov. 12. The upgrades will provide park visitors with modern accommodations to meet and host events and are part of the county executive’s ongoing initiative to enhance park facilities so they continue to meet the needs of the community. Joining DiVincenzo in front of the building are, from left, Essex County Housing and Community Development Director George Serio, Rev. William Christina, Essex County Chief of Staff Phil Alagia, Essex County Deputy Chief of Staff William Payne, Assemblywoman Cleopatra Tucker, Freeholder Vice President Brendan Gill, A. Baseemah Beasley, Irvington Councilwoman and Irvington Park Conservancy President Sandra Jones, Irvington Councilman Paul Inman, Irvington Mayor Tony Vauss, Irvington Councilwoman Renee C. Burgess, Freeholder Lebby Jones, Freeholder President Britnee Timberlake and Assemblyman Ralph Caputo.
IRVINGTON, NJ — A project to renovate the original, one-story section of the Irvington Park Field House in Irvington was announced on Thursday, Nov. 12. The upgrades will provide park visitors with modern accommodations to meet and host events, and are part of the Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo Jr.’s ongoing initiative to enhance park facilities so they continue to meet the needs of the community.
Before making his remarks, DiVincenzo announced the renovated building would be named the “D. Bilal Beasley Community Center,” in honor of the late Beasley, who served as a member of the Essex County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Irvington City Council. “Bilal Beasley was a dedicated public servant who always worked to improve the quality of life for residents. He worked constantly with the administration to enhance Irvington Park and would have loved this project,” DiVincenzo said.
“The buildings in our parks are important features because they provide a place for the community to gather, socialize and participate in group activities. The renovations to the original field house structure will enhance accommodations and provide a suitable atmosphere for residents,” he added.
“I have to give credit to the county executive, because when you look at the blueprint we are following to revitalize Irvington, it is the same blueprint Joe D. used for the county,” Irvington Mayor Tony Vauss said. “We have had a strong partnership with the county since day one and the changes being made to this park are an example of what can be done when we work together.”
The original one-story section of the Irvington Park Field House will receive a complete facelift, including new doors and windows, ceiling and floor tiles, painting and restroom fixtures. In addition, the current kitchen will be upgraded so that the Essex County Division of Senior Services can bring its Cafe in the Park congregate meal program for senior citizens to the park. The building was expanded in 2006, when a two-story, 2,100-square-foot addition was constructed.
Representatives of the community looked forward to the renovations.
“This is another awesome project that is being done because of the vision of the County Executive,” Freeholder President Britnee Timberlake said. “The members of the Freeholder Board know that our colleague Freeholder Lebby Jones is a strong advocate for Irvington. We are pleased to follow her passion and work with the County Executive on another project that will improve the community,” Freeholder Vice President Brendan Gill said.
“The renovations we are making will provide better facilities for our senior citizens, children and members of the community. I look forward to seeing these project completed and Irvington Park overflowing with people,” Freeholder Lebby Jones said.
Sandra Jones, who serves as a member of the Irvington Council and is President of the Irvington Park Conservancy, said the improvements will be well received in the community and will help attract more people to use the park.
“These are well-deserved and much-need improvements. It’s another example of the great work that the County Executive is doing in all of the parks,” Assemblywoman Cleopatra Tucker said. “Joe is the best at obtaining resources to make improvements to benefit the community. Because when people see improvements, they know someone cares,” Assemblyman Ralph Caputo said.
The Essex County Department of Public Works designed the improvements to the building. Daskal Construction from Wallington received a publicly bid contract for $486,247 to perform the construction work. The Essex County Department of Public Works will monitor the project to answer questions and avoid delays. The project is being funded with a grant from the Essex County Community Development Block Grant Program. It is scheduled to be completed in the summer of 2016.
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